We’ve all heard it before—“Just trust God!” But what does it mean, especially when life feels out of control? Trusting God is much more than saying “I believe.” It’s about letting that trust influence our thoughts, decisions, and actions. This kind of trust changes how we handle struggles, make plans, and approach life itself.
1. Trust Isn’t Just Words—It’s an Action
Scripture: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).
To truly trust God means to rely on Him instead of depending on our own plans or insights. God, who knows the beginning from the end, has plans that are often beyond our understanding, so true trust means surrendering control to Him.
Example: Let’s say you’re deciding which subjects to focus on in school. Your dream might be to pursue a certain career, but perhaps through prayer and reading God’s Word, you sense God leading you in a different direction. It can be hard to trust that God’s path is better, but real trust means saying, “God, I don’t know where this will lead, but I believe You do.” You might make choices that aren’t what you expected, trusting that God will direct you to the right place.
2. Trust Means Letting Go of Worry
Scripture: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7, NIV).*
Trusting God helps us let go of the things we can’t control. The Bible reassures us that God deeply cares for us, so we can bring our worries to Him instead of letting them weigh us down.
Example: Imagine you’re feeling anxious about fitting in with a new friend group or meeting people’s expectations. Worrying about acceptance can consume you, but trusting God means you don’t have to carry that burden alone. You can pray, “God, help me find friends who respect me and let me feel at peace in knowing that You accept me.” Handing over this anxiety to God means you’re not facing it by yourself—you trust that He’s guiding you toward the people and places that will help you grow.
3. Trust Isn’t Easy, But It’s Worth It
Scripture: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28, NIV).
Trusting God often means walking through situations that are hard or confusing, believing He’s working for our good. This perspective isn’t always comfortable, but we hold onto it because we know that God is always faithful to His promises.
Example: Let’s say you faced a setback, like not making the sports team or dealing with a tough family situation. It might feel like a closed door or a loss, but trusting God means believing He’s using even this difficulty for something good. Trust says, “God, I don’t understand, but I believe You’re with me.” Over time, you might discover new opportunities, like a different activity that brings you joy or a chance to grow closer to God in hard moments.
4. Trust Shows Up in How We Live
Scripture: "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds" (James 2:18, NIV).
Trust isn’t only about feelings; it’s about actions. When we truly trust God, it changes how we live. We make choices that align with His Word, even if they aren’t popular or easy. This might look like being honest, showing kindness, or choosing to forgive, reflecting the love of Christ.
Example: Suppose you see friends gossiping about someone, and you’re tempted to join in so you’ll fit in. Trusting God in this moment means choosing kindness and speaking in ways that honor Him, even if it feels risky. It’s trusting that God values your obedience more than any moment of popularity. By trusting God enough to act differently, you’re showing faith in His ways and letting others see what it means to live as a follower of Jesus.
Conclusion
Trusting God is more than a one-time decision—it’s a journey. There will be times when you feel uncertain, but remember that trust grows as you continue to rely on God in every part of life. If you’re struggling with trust, pray and ask God to help you take that next step, one day at a time. Keep reading His Word, remembering His promises, and looking for ways to trust Him more.
Challenge: This week, think about one area where you can practice deeper trust in God. Maybe it’s handing over a worry to Him or making a choice that honors Him, even if it’s hard. Remember, trusting God isn’t just something you say—it’s something you live.
